ane County farmers, as well
as farmers across the nation, are
faced with a price crunch that may
affect the eating habits Americans
enjoy.
Comments from Eugene
Springfield farmers seem to reflect
the concerns of farmers across the
nation—the need for a solution to the
high cost of production versus the low
prices farmers receive for their pro
ducts.
Farmers have traditionally oper
ated independently but with the ad
vent of higher production costs, more
government regulations of pesticides
and chemicals and increased foreign
agricultural imports they have com
bined efforts to make government
leaders and the general public aware
of their problems.
According to Mike Owens, presi
dent of the Lane County Livestock
Association, the current role of gov
ernment in agricultural affairs is not
benefiting the farmers now.
“My main concern is that we (far
mers) need more cooperation form
high government officials," he says.
“Foreign beef imports should be
stopped so the American farmer can
get a reasonable price for his cattle. If
the family farm operation can't make
it, large corporations are going to
take over farming."
Owen is not in favor of government
subsidies.
“I don't want government interven
tion,” he continues. “I just want to
produce something and make some
money on it.
County farmers
hit by crunch,
band together
By JOHN LUDWIG
Of the Emerald
Emerald Graphic
“If it comes down to it, we'!! un
ionize, but I hate to see it come to
that. Agricultural people try to be in
dependent.”
Ruby Rinsdorf, vice-president of
the Oregon Women for Agriculture,
believes that farmers are making
their plight known.
“I’ve been pleased that farmers
have been level-headed about letting
people know they are in a cost
squeeze,' she says. “The prices of
many of our commodities are at cost
or below cost.”
Rinsdorf and her husband Mar
vin operate a grass seed farm in the
Eugene-Springfield area.
“I'm now getting ready to go to
Washington D C. with 52 other
women from the Oregon Women for
Agriculture," says Ringsdorf.
The women will represent 10
Oregon counties, for a week begin
ning Saturday. They will meet with
representatives of Congress, the Un
ited States Department of Agriculture
and the Environmental Protection
Agency.
A number of issues will be brought
up, including water pollution, the use
of pesticides, field burning, and labor
problems.
Exportation of agricultural goods is
the solution to the problem according
to another Eugene farmer, Bill
Stevenson
“We re a very productive people.”
Stevenson says. “I think a solution to
the price squeeze caused by foreign
imports is exportation of American
agricultural products.
“We can produce exports cheaper
than any other country, says
Stevenson.
Director wants accessible
government for citizens
By JUDY PET REE
Of the Emerald
Barb West, Lane County s new Community Re
lations director, has purposely made one of politic s
oldest cliches her personal goal.
“I want to make government work for people —
make it accessible," she says enthusiastically.
West, who began the county job this month says
she is sincere in her statement because making gov
ernment familiar and accessible to county residents
is the primary function of her department.
She says a Citizen’s Advocate Program will be
implemented soon as a direct link between citizen
and county agencies.
An office will be established where people can
take their complaints and questions. She says each
problem will be followed through until the citizen gets
an answer.
Along with a graphic artist and a writer, West
works with about 15 other county departments to
help deal with the media and perform a variety of
public relations functions for the county.
West, a University graduate, has been a
member of the Eugene school board for six years.
Until recently, she and her husband were co-owners
of KZEL-FM radio station.
She believes her eight years as co-manager of
the racSo station have given her the media experience
she will need in her new position. As an elected
public official with involvement in community organi
zations and political campaigns, Jerry Rust, Lane
County Board of Commissioners Chairer, says she's
a qualified administrator.
Commissioner Bob Wood joined Rust in support
of West’s appointment in a 2-1 vote. Commissioner
Archie Weinstein, however, adamantly objected to
the appointment, saying West's qualifications did not
fit those listed in the official job posting.
Weinstein, who has been very public in his
comments about West’s qualifications, says he has
nothing personal against her. He says she did not
conform to the posting.
“I go on procedure,” he explains.
West says this controversial beginning is unfor
tunate, but it hasn't effected her credibility with other
county employees.
"My management style is different, but on the
whole, I've been well received."
Another bone of contention between West and
Weinstein was her recommendation that Don Hul
bert, acting director of Community Relations, be re
tained temporarily.
The request was legitimate, according to West,
since her department was short two employees
when she took the job. She says the department’s
other administrative position was vacant when she
took over, and Hulbert was needed to aid in the
transition.
Wood and Rust approved Hulbert s retention on
a three-month basis over Weinstein's negative vote.
Weinstein says hiring a temporary aide is "a waste of
taxpayers’ money." Rust says keeping Hulbert was
necessary because of the current understaffing in
Community Relations.
Hulbert was retained at his previous salary of
$23,000 per year. West’s salary is $20,000.
During a reorganization last year that made
Community Relations a separate department, Hul
bert applied for the position as director. Shortly after
that, he withdrew his application, but he stayed in the
office as acting director until West’s appointment.
Hulbert reportedly withdrew his application be
cause of morale problems in the county offices. West
says a survey of employee attitudes will be taken
soon to determine if low morale is actually a problem.
Despite a somewhat stormy beginning, West
says she is enthusiastic about what can be done in
the county.
"The only thing that’s frustrating is that I see so
much that needs to be done and it’s hard to narrow it
down,” she says.
“It’s like having all the colors in the rainbow and I
have to choose three."
West says she doesn’t foresee any problems in
working with the commissioners — Weinstein in par
ticular. She is optimistic that her appointment will
become less of an issue as time goes on.
And Weinstein? He still objects, but he says they
can work together.
“I can work with anyone for the good of the
county," he says.
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